Aromatherapy Through the Seasons Winter

By Patricia Bonnard, Integrated Coach

Starchaser

. http://www.starchaser-healingarts.com/

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Aromatherapy Through the Seasons Winter

The choice of essential oils and aromatherapy applications largely depends on how a particular person experiences a season (e.g., allergies, dry skin), but there are some general responses we humans have to the changes in climate (e.g., increased metabolism in the colder months to generate more body heat).

Some of the typical winter complaints in the Washington DC area are chills (internal chills), dry skin, chapped lips, dry stale interior air, colds and flus, joint stiffness and depressed moods.

Some Good Essential

Oils for Winter

Antioxidants cinnamon (Cinnamomumzeylanicum), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), narrow-leaft eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), lemon (Citrus limon) and manuka (Leptospermum scoparium).

Antidepressants ylangylang (canangaodorata), orange (Citrus sinensis) and myrtle (Myrtuscommunis).

For Cold and flu symptoms palosanto (Bulnesiasarmientoi), peppermint eucalyptus (eucalyptus dives), scotch pine (PinusSylvestrus), Siberian fir (Abiessibirica), Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis), rosemary (Rosemariusofficinalesvar camphor).

Aches and pain clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), nutmeg (Myristicafragens) black pepper (Piper nigrum) and ginger (Zingiberoffinciale).

Deodorizers grapefruit (Citrus x pradisi), lemon (Citrus limon) and hiba wood (Thujopsisdolabrata).

Emollients myrrh (commiphoramyrrha), sandalwood (Santalum alba), frankincense (Boswelliacarteri)and rosewood (Anibaroseodora).

Aromatherapy Applications

Warm baths are particularly therapeutic and enjoyable in winter. They're helpful for chills or when one feels cold to the bone. Bubbles can keep the water warmer longer. A dash of carrier oil can help any one of a wide range of all natural carriers, but sesame and olive oil are especially warming. If you like an oily bath, just add more carrier.

Make sure when using essential oils that you use only those that are considered non-irritating to skin and be aware that warm water can increase the potential for irritation (cinnamon and clove). Make sure to dilute essential oils in an emulsifying carrier before adding them to the bath to assure that they disperse and are, therefore, less concentrated. Choose essential oils with properties that support your intensions warming, moisturizing or emotionally supportive and uplifting. Use no more than eight drops for a bath.

Balms, body butters and body oils can provide protection against the cold and wind as well as moisturize and nourish the skin. The choice of carrier can really make the difference between a good and a great balm, butter or oil. Avocado, carrot seed, coconut and argan oil all moisturize and sooth dry parched skin. Shea and cocoa butter are excellent emollients. Arnica and safflower oil are good for aches and pain. Add essential oils listed under aches and pains to get some relief for an achy, creaking winter body. Whereas body oils, butters and balms can feel a bit heavy in the summer months, they tend to warm, moisturize and sooth the skin during the cold, dry months of winter. Make sure to use a safe and proper dilution for each specific intention and application (typically1-3% depending on the application).